Sunday, June 30, 2013

My first Tupperware Party in France & Mini-Quiche!Amazingly, this is my second post about a recipe in a week. I didn't plan it this way, but it seems lately I'm preparing this or that for school parties, end of year receptions and potlucks with friends. We are squeezing in all the activities before summer begins. Here in France, for a school reception they are always looking for a preparation that is either salty or sweet - and it has to be finger food - or easy to eat while standing up.

Mini-Quiche

All last year, I eyed these mini-quiches that everyone would bring in to share. Cute, perfect for a reception and definitely finger food. I've always made regular sized quiches but looking at these mini ones, they just looked like a lot of work. Who had that kind of time - to cut the dough to size, let alone find the right-size pans. Making dough is also not my favorite thing to do, never seem to get the consistency right.(.I had to leave my dough/bread machine back in the States when we moved over here.). Anyway, a few' months ago, I was invited to a Tupperware party (Thank you to my French friend who invited me - it was a fun afternoon!) Surprise, they have Tupperware, here in France. Same concept as in the States, you go to a get together, the hostess and the sales representative have picked a couple recipes to prepare together and then we all get to enjoy our creations and buy what we want. Well, I guess I got really lucky that day, as we made mini-creme desserts. Same concept as the mini-quiches but the filling was a sweet creme. The best part of this demonstration was that the sales representative pointed out that the fastest way get the dough the right size was to uses a cutter (of course, Tupperware sold that!) or the bottom of a glass sized appropriately - The best part was if you were in a hurry - you could use a prepared full crust - just unroll it and begin cutting out the circles - One crust will fill 2 mini-pans for a total of 30 mini-quiche - perfect party size! (& Tupperware sold some super mini silicon pans). The only bit of extra work was for the last 4-6 circles you gather left-over dough pieces & re-roll it out, having enough for both trays. This I could handle, super easy. Now, I don't need to tell you what I bought at that party! (Probably one of my best investments to date!!) I'm also chuckling a bit here, as I realize that this little short-cut might not be new to a lot of people, but it's new to me!

Prepared dough & the Tupperware cutter

I have used these pans constantly this Spring - mini-quiches, mini-pizzas, mini-appetizers - I think these pans get washed at least a couple times a week. Last week I made these wonderful little mini-quiches for a school function and then because I had extra egg mixture left over - I made some more for us as a snack before dinner - big hit!! These are also so easy to make & bake ahead and then throw them in the freezer until you need them.So here is my recipe for these lovely mini-quiches - I have included a dough recipe for those so daring - but a good store bought one works well too! True be told - one can put anything in these little delicacies...this is truly just one version.Mini Ham and Cheese QuichesIngredients:Pre-made pie crust (or homemade crust- see recipe below)3 eggscreme fraiche or sour cream - (20cl of thicker creme d'Isigny or 1/2 regular size sour-cream container)2/3 cup milk (156 ml)salt & pepper4 drops of Tabasco saucehandful of fresh chives cut into small pieces1/2 cup (120ml) shredded cheese (Goat, Gouda, Swiss or Cheddar)3 slices of deli-ham diced Method:Preheat oven to 375°F (190 C). Using a pre-made pie crust sheet, use cutter or small glass slightly bigger than pan cups & cut out circles for 30 mini-quiche and place in the cups of a mini-muffin tin or mini-quiche pan. In a small bowl beat together 3 eggs, creme fraiche (or sour cream) 2/3 cups milk, salt, pepper, hot pepper sauce & chivesSprinkle the pieces of chopped ham and the cheese into each cup. Fill prepared muffin tins with egg mixture, and bake 20—25 minutes until puffed and lightly brown.Let cool slightly and remove from tins. Makes 30 mini-quiche.Easy Dough for CrustIngredients:2 cups all purpose flour (.5 liters)1 teaspoon salt (5 ml)¾ cup shortening or butter (178 ml)5 to 6 tablespoons cold water (75-90 ml)

Method:In food processor with knife blade attached, measure flour, shortening and salt., process 1 to 2 seconds until mixture form fine crumbs.(This can also be done with a pastry cutter). Add cold water, process 1, to 2 seconds until dough forms on blades. Remove dough from bowl; with hands, shape dough into ball. Roll out flat.

Filled & Ready to bake!

The yummy final product the second night!

So, I promise no more recipes for a bit - we spent today at the beach - so I'm looking forward to sharing those photos. Hope it was a great weekend for all!

Monday, June 24, 2013

The end of this month has been crazy with all the end of year activities. At this point we have less than 2 weeks until the end of school and I am looking forward to summer! I have been trying to write this post since yesterday - I thought it would be a quick little number, but life is just busy. On Saturday night we enjoyed a lovely dinner with a fellow blogger, Colleen & her boyfriend, Dave (She blogs at Colleen Le Masters - Life 2.1 - A California Girl at Heart) who have just recently moved to Bordeaux for a short time. I have been drooling over fromage blanc desserts since arriving in France - so finally decided to give this recipe a try for our little get-together. I have to say I was super pleased with the result - so pleased I made more the next night for another dinner party!

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Life around here has been a bit busy, to say the least. It's all the end of the year activities for the kids, and even for the parents. I have several posts I want to write up describing certain fun events we have experienced here in the past couple of weeks, but alas to find the time. So I am posting a photo essay to share our past week - a little bit for everyone! - some city, some natural beauty & some fun! Hope you enjoy.Sunny afternoon in Bordeaux.

The girls and I ventured downtown on Sunday afternoon to enjoy the sunshine.

Love all the Flower boxes

The Fountain at Place de La Bourse - having fun with the water.

Another view of the fountain

Water, sculptures & buildings - Place de la Bourse

View looking toward Place du Parliament

Looking down along the river

An Afternoon in a Garden I attended a lovely luncheon at a friend's house - so peaceful to eat outside in her beautiful yard with views of the neighboring vineyard. So relaxing and peaceful - The food was delicious too!

The flower centerpieces

The Neighbor's wine!

Another friend made this delicious Charlotte!

The neighbor's vineyard as seen from the backyard - so easy on the eyes!

With this kind of view - Instant relaxation!

Kermesse at the MaternelleLast Friday night, my youngest daughter has her Kermesse (end of year program) at her Maternelle. The theme was Circus - Under the Big Top. I loved the costumes, creativity and bright colors! A fun evening!

My happy youngest daughter

Costumes were all handmade with simple clothing

A dance number - Again loved all the costumes!

Some acrobatics!

Preparing for her class number!

The Calendar continues this week with the Synchronized Swim team gala & my youngest daughter's circus class performance. Life just keeps rolling along...Hope you enjoyed a little piece of our life lately!Have a great rest of the week - and look for more posts soon.